Snickers Workwear Magazine 1 Women’s fit I Julia Schaffer Flemk Won the Isabel
lstipendiet award in 2015. Jury statement: “With her courage, bloodymindedness never-ending energy, the winner of the Isabellestipendiat award for 2015 is a shining example of a woman who is changing the construction industry for the better. With her company, Julias Plattsättning & Bygg, she demonstrates high-class craftsmanship, responsible recruitment and conscious network building, and in this way she provides inspiration for women who are or want to become active tradespeople.” This award, worth SEK 20,000, is Sweden’s first grant for female tradespeople and is awarded by the non-profit organisation Rättviseförmedlingen and Isabelle McAllister in partnership. Julia Schaffer Flemk Size: 36 Age: 33 Family: Cohabiting Where I live: Huddinge, Stockholm. Profession: Tiler How did you end up in the construction industry? When I was little, I decided I wanted to become a carpenter. I grew up in the countryside, with no TV, and I wasn’t spoilt with gadgets. Most of the time, my cousin and I were out and about making treehouses that we actually spent whole summers living in. Did you spend your time in the treehouse dreaming of being an entrepreneur? No, I didn’t dare dream of starting my own company. I didn’t have the self-confidence for that. But after a decade as an employee, I felt I had to do something to change attitudes. I reckoned all that macho talk really started in earnest at school. The curriculum even says that students have to receive training in professional culture – hah! That was why I started studying to become a building and construction teacher at university. But by the time I completed my training, I had new self-confidence and felt I should start my own company instead. I haven’t regretted it for a second.  Place of work: Runs the company Julias Plattsättning & Bygg, which mainly employs women and engages female subcontractors. Favourite garment: Allroundwork 6701, of course! Snickers Workwear I autumn/winter 2018 21